25 Jul 2024
New befriending service for those affected by suicide
Hertfordshire County Council has today launched a new Befriending Service to support people who present at Lister hospital due to a suicide attempt or thoughts of taking their own life (suicide ideation).
Surveillance data shows that 460[i] suicide attempts were made in Hertfordshire in 2023.
The new Befriending Service aims to provide immediate support, helping people to get the right help - from Hertfordshire’s primary care services and the community and voluntary organisations offering support - at the right time.
Hertfordshire County Council’s Executive Member for Public Health and Community Safety, Morris Bright MBE, said: “Having lost a friend to suicide in recent years, I know what a tragedy it is and the devastating impact it has on families, friends, colleagues, first responders and the wider community.
“We believe this important service will make a significant difference in our community, offering a lifeline to people in their hour of need and helping them to remain safe.”
The service is for people aged 18+ and can be accessed by self-referral or via a referral from a GP or the accident and emergency department.
It is funded from Hertfordshire County Council’s Public Health budget and will be delivered by Mind in Mid Herts. It will be based in the accident and emergency department of the hospital and link with other services, including mental health liaison and the urgent care centre.
To find out more, visit www.mindinmidherts.org.uk/befriending-discharge-service
Hertfordshire County Council funds a wide range of mental health support, including Togetherall, a FREE, safe and anonymous online community for anyone aged 16+ who is feeling low or struggling with their mental health. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Over 1000 Hertfordshire residents are already signed up to it – join them today at: www.togetherall.com
[1] This figure only accounts for suicide attempts that are recorded by the police where they have been involved in the case, and not all suicide attempts are reported to the police.
Notes to editors
According to the most recent suicide audit (2023):
- Over one-third of people who died by suicide were known to have made a previous suicide attempt.
- Majority (55.2%) of suicides took place at the person’s own residence.
- Men accounted for over three-quarters of all suicides.
- 40.9% of all people who died by suicide were aged 40-59.
- Mental health was identified as the most common risk factor.
Other services funded by Hertfordshire County Council include:
- ‘How are you feeling today?’ - a resource booklet with information about local mental health services, ranging from self-help to professional support in a crisis. It is available online at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/mentalhealth or as a printed copy from your local Healthy Hub or GP surgery.
- Physical activity and mental health projects, funded by the council and delivered by local community and voluntary organisations to promote positive wellbeing. These range from boxing and football to community gardening, yoga, Nordic walking and more.
- Just Talk Herts, a website for children and young people, their families and the professionals, providing information about a range of free local mental health services, useful resources and campaigns (www.justtalkherts.org).
- The Sandbox, provide free online mental health support for children and young people aged 10-25 years old (www.thesandbox.mindler.co.uk)
- Lumi Nova, a therapeutic digital game for 7- to 12-year-olds to help them manage childhood anxiety and fear (www.luminova.app).
- Herts Haven Cafés, free welcoming drop-in safe spaces for children and young people across Hertfordshire aged 10-18, to get emotional wellbeing support (www.withyouth.org/herts-haven-cafes)
- Support groups for carers of loved ones (18yrs and above) with suicidal ideation and who have attempted suicide and for those who have lived experiences of suicide attempts.
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